Jerry Burns, the man convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder in the 1979 killing of Michelle Martinko, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to paying $150,000 in restitution to the Martinko family. His request for a new trial was also denied on Friday. “This moment has […]
Izabela Zaluska
Posted inCommunity/News
City of Cedar Rapids creates survey to get input from residents about citizens review board
The city of Cedar Rapids launched a survey for residents to provide input about a citizens review board and information about their interactions with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Residents can take the 10-question survey through Aug. 31. The survey is online, but paper copies are also available. Anyone wanting a paper copy mailed to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Free school supplies will be distributed at Cedar Rapids parks starting Monday (Updated)
Update on Tuesday, Aug. 11: Due to storm damage, Rollin’ Recmobile stops and school supply distribution have been suspended, according to a news release. It is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with a normal schedule. The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will give out school supplies and backpacks to students the week […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Q&A: Two contact tracers at Linn County Public Health discuss their job and what they’re seeing during the county’s current surge
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Linn County — and across Iowa — continue to increase daily. As of Thursday morning, Linn County Public Health was reporting 2,204 confirmed cases in the county and 87 deaths. There are 299 active cases, according to LCPH. Community spread makes up nearly 70 percent of the county’s total confirmed […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘We’ve got to do something’: Linn County officials, mayors call for local control over mandating face masks
The Linn County Board of Supervisors and the Board of Health approved a proclamation during a joint meeting on Wednesday that calls on Gov. Kim Reynolds to allow cities and counties “to enact localized response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” including mandating and enforcing the use of face coverings. The proclamation is backed by the mayors […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Appeal hearing for fired Cedar Rapids police officer Lucas Jones delayed
The two-day appeal hearing for fired Cedar Rapids police officer Lucas Jones has been rescheduled, and will now start on Sept. 22 instead of Aug. 18, after lawyers for both sides filed a joint motion to delay the hearing in hopes of holding it in person instead of via videoconferencing. But the Cedar Rapids Civil […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Cedar Rapids families have until Wednesday to decide on in-person or virtual instruction for upcoming school year
Cedar Rapids families have until Wednesday to decide whether their students will start the upcoming school year online or in person. Families were sent the final version of the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s (CRCSD) Return to Learn plan on Friday. The plan includes information about the options for students in elementary, middle and high […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County Supervisors will meet with Board of Health on Wednesday to discuss face mask proclamation
The Linn County Board of Supervisors will hold a joint meeting with the county’s Board of Health on Wednesday to discuss a proclamation calling on Gov. Kim Reynolds to allow local officials to mandate face masks. County mayors have been asked to sign onto the proclamation, and most mayors are supportive of it, Supervisor Ben […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson announces he will not seek reelection
Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson announced on Monday that he will finish out his current term but is no longer seeking reelection in November. “Given all the life-changing events that are upon us, this year of 2020 in particular has provided me a chance to thoroughly examine and reflect on what is most important to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Appeal hearing for fired Cedar Rapids Police officer Lucas Jones will be held online
The Cedar Rapids Civil Service Commission voted Friday morning to conduct the appeal hearing for former Cedar Rapids Police Officer Lucas Jones online and not partially in-person as previously discussed. The two-day hearing is scheduled to begin on Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. The Cedar Rapids Police Department fired Jones in June for turning off […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Linn County supervisors to ask Gov. Kim Reynolds for local control over mandating face masks
During both their meetings this week, the Linn County Board of Supervisors discussed a face covering resolution, but have not taken action yet. The issue is anticipated to be taken up again next week, possibly at the board’s Monday meeting. Supervisor Ben Rogers said he put the issue on the board’s agenda this week after […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Mount Trashmore scheduled to open this Saturday
Cedar Rapidians will soon have another place to get outside and enjoy the summer weather once Mount Trashmore opens on Saturday, Aug. 1. Those going to hike and ride their bikes will see some extra features at the site. There’s a new building at the bottom of the hill with restrooms, a check-in area, a […]
